At the end of our Holy Thursday evening liturgy we process to a beautiful garden in remembrance of Jesus going to the garden of Gethsemane after the last supper.  This simulated garden is very peaceful with many beautiful flowers and plants.  There are water fountains trickling with water softly and many candles providing a soft glow of light.  This environment initially causes me to reflect on God’s incredible creation.  But then I begin to think about how Jesus was surround

Recently I was at an Urgent Care facility in assistance of someone else.  While sitting in the waiting room I observed a young boy and his father.   It appeared the young boy was the one to be treated. Almost immediately I could see the young boy was mentally handicapped.  It was quite evident that the father was a very patient parent.  At times, the boy would make unhappy outbursts and occasionally was a bit difficult to control. The boy's behavior was something any parent w

I recently was compelled while praying in church to pray for people who are right now faced with major challenges in life. So I prayed without any specific person or issue in mind. A few hours later I received a text message from someone I know asking for help in a way that I wasn't well prepared to help with. I started to contemplate how would I, should I, or could I even help them. At first I considered the inconvenience and any reason why I couldn't.  Then my heart changed

Mark 3:25 NIV .  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. The definition of Unity is simply defined as the “state of being joined as a whole.  Oneness of mind, feeling, or purpose. From a Scriptural perspective it means a deep, spiritual oneness and harmony among believers in Christ.  According to Ephesians, it’s about uniting diverse people in faith, purpose, being one in mind and spirit, bound by God’s Spirit, and requires humility, love, and active ef

Have you ever spent moments admiring the sunset or sunrise?  Have you ever had an opportunity to gaze at a distance across the ocean or a great lake?  How about gazing at a distant mountain top?  Awe and wonder are what comes to my mind when I have those opportunities.  Sometimes I begin to imagine what is on the other side of that farthest scene that I see.  It is especially soothing when I am troubled with some issue in my life and I am struggling to come up with the right

What is the hardest thing you have ever done?  Did you climb a mountain?  Did you take on a project with a short deadline and you did not want to disappoint?  Did you have to come clean with a problem you caused someone?  Maybe it was saying good bye to someone you care for.  How about a surgery ahead? For me, it is always of interest to hear someone’s story of a challenge and the victory or maybe even the failure they experienced.  Typically, there was an act of courage of s

I have a challenge for you but, know it is also a challenge for me.  First some questions and thoughts to contemplate.  Then the...

Do we have any bakers out there with secret ingredients that make their recipes extra special?  Do you follow a master recipe and then...

Sandpaper is a great abrasive for smoothing down rough surfaces like wooden or metal products.  Enough friction created with the sanding...

On August 25 th  we celebrate a feast day for St. Joseph Calasanz who is the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools.  He was a very dedicated...

Who am I that you should give me another chance.  Lord, I stumble.  I sin.  Yet, your mercy is greater than my offense.  Your love is...

Do you have your favorite music playlist?  Do certain songs bring back memories you do not want to let go of because of the happy times...

A New Beginning We hear how each day is a new beginning, the first day of the rest of our life.  It is said that we should start each day...

Loss and Found  (embraced by Jesus) Recently I was reminded of the story of the little boy who died at 5 years old and had an after-life...

If you have ever been hiking or hunting in an area that you have never been to before you may realize that having a compass is a very...

You are a special creation of our loving God who loves us more than we can imagine. Remember there is nothing we can do to cause God...

I sit at my dining room table looking out the back window at the wooded background and watching the sun and wind at work.  The brightness...

Recently within a group setting I talked about stories from a highly acclaimed author.  I found the author’s writings troubling to me...

An incredible amazing thing occurred once.  God loved you  into existence!  God said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”...

When I consider Scripture I like to put myself in the story and begin to imagine what is happening and what people are experiencing. ...